COULD YOU PROVIDE CUTTING-EDGE, VITAL COMMUNICATIONS ON THE BATTLEFIELD?
DRIVER COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SUPPORT TO MAINTAIN COMMUNICATION AT ALL TIMES. WE LOOK AFTER THE REGIMENTS' COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND SET UP CUTTING-EDGE SYSTEMS FOR WHEN WE MORE AROUND THE BATTLEFIELD.
Being a Communications Specialist is all about teamwork, purpose and pride. As Driver Communications Specialists, we are trained to use radio and digital communications systems and by using these, we are able to make sure our soldiers and officers can be in contact whenever they need to be.
As this is a dual role, we are also drivers in our own right, accountable for our vehicles and equipment.
Training For The Role
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to handling a rifle. If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years 5 months), you’ll do a 23-week basic military training course at Harrogate. If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years 1 month), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.
Step 2
Next, you will undertake your 15-week Combat Logistician course at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield. During this, you will earn your Category C+E Driving Licence and study general service driver modules. This training also gives you the opportunity to gain a broader knowledge on the Royal Logistic Corps functions and roles.
Step 3
Being dual traded means that you will complete training in both driving and communications at the Defence School of Transport.
You will complete your 3-week Initial Driver Training where you will be taught cross-country driving techniques, vehicle camouflage and concealment, basic mechanical principles, transport documentation and complete Hazardous goods training.
Your Initial Communications training will then take place over a period of 4 weeks. During this course, you will be taught to use state of the art digital communications systems in support of military operations.
Entry Requirements
Age:
16 years 6 months - 35 years 6 months
Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Level 2 LGV Driver Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Unified Communications Technician (UCT) Apprenticeship
- Level 2 Certificate Logistics & Transport
- Level 2 certificates in Telecoms & Unified Comms
Rank Progression
Learn about rank progression here.
Pay and Benefits
"As a Communication Specialist, you have a dual role driving various military vehicles and handling all aspects of communications. Whilst working on camp, your main role is to look after your section's vehicles and communications equipment, making sure it's serviceable, as you could be expected to deploy on exercise or operations at any time. You're kept busy with exercises in various parts of the country to provide communications and support to other units and cap badges. Being a Communications Specialist can be very challenging at times, but also very rewarding."
HOW TO APPLY
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre,you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.
Training For The Role
Step 1
You start by training to be a soldier with your Reserve unit.
Step 2
Once you’ve learned to be a soldier, you’ll train as a Communications Operator over 2 weeks. You’ll take further courses to build your skills later on. If you don’t have your driving licence already, we’ll help you get it. You can also get your category C licence (for driving lorries) while you’re with us.
Entry Requirements
Age:
17 years 9 months - 42 years 6 months
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications needed
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Car plus trailer lience (Cat B+E)
Pay and Benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £40.13 in training and rising to £51.22 per day once you're a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
From the Field
“I wanted to join the Army Reserve as I’ve always been interested in the Army and could fit the training around my day job. Being a Driver Communications Specialist gives you two roles and I wanted something to challenge me. I’ve deployed on an operational tour in Iraq and completed my Physical Training Instructor (PTI) course, so I have been tested both personally and professionally. I also competed in the Royal Logistic Corps Skiing Championships, where I had the chance to learn Alpine Skiing and then race - I was paid more than it cost me…my civilian mates couldn’t believe it!” Lance Corporal Mooney
HOW TO APPLY
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre,you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.
